A Look Inside the Cambridge See, Test & Treat

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) recently hosted its second See, Test & Treat® event, serving nearly 80 patients, with 53 Pap tests and 28 mammograms administered. The demand for the program was so great that 23 additional women were scheduled for free screenings at a second See, Test & Treat event in December.

The chief of pathology and clinical laboratory medicine at CHA, Rebecca Osgood, MD, FCAP, served as lead pathologist for the program.

“No woman deserves to die of a preventable cancer,” Dr. Osgood said. “These same-day Pap results not only give a personal touch to the delivery of health care to these women but allow for an immediate connection for follow up care prior to leaving the event.”

In addition to the cancer screenings, the day was filled with such activities as yoga, smoothie bowl demonstrations, reiki, and an on-site health fair where 40 flu shots were administered and more than 30 women received dermatology screenings.

2019-10-cambridge-health-231 — The program brought together more than 160 volunteers and clinical staff, many of them pictured here.

2019-10-cambridge-health-127 — Dr. Tong Sun, a cytopathology fellow, educated patients about dysplasia.

2019-10-cambridge-health-33 — In addition to free cancer screening, all See, Test & Treat programs include health information on numerous topics.

I have a history of domestic violence and have not been to the doctor for mammograms, Pap smears or annual physicals for a number of years. At first, I was nervous and afraid. One of the nurses held my hand during the Pap smear examination.

–An anonymous See, Test & Treat patient

2019-10-cambridge-health-204 — In a multi-cultural community, it’s important to provide information in many languages.

2019-10-cambridge-health-207 — Patients received education about nutrition and some healthy food to take home.

2019-10-cambridge-health-30 — CHA's Volunteer Health Advisors with 98-year-old Mary Piorun (center), a Community Health Improvement volunteer, who knitted hats to give to patients

Being an immigrant makes me feel like a nobody. Today I’ve received love that started to cure some sickness inside of me. I saw in every face a smile…I saw many people making a difference in other people’s lives like mine.

–Silvania, a See, Test & Treat patient